We all know how cute cats are – being little love loafs on the couch – but have you ever wondered: Is my cat bored?
Indoor cats have a reputation of being lazy and independent, but did you know that a bored cat is a stressed cat? Studies show that boredom and monotony are significant determinants of stress. So, let’s think about how cats are made. What they are born to do? Being a love loaf is not at the top of this list list – though it’s still important.
Cats are naturally built to hunt, climb, scratch, explore, communicate, and problem solve. If there are no outlets for these instinctive and natural behaviors, unwanted or even destructive behaviors can develop.
Thankfully, there are some simple solutions that can help enrich the life of your indoor kitty.
Beating Boredom
Add interactive play sessions to your cat’s routine using wand toys, laser pointers, or small stuffed “prey.” These engaging session mimic the thrill of the hunt and provide mental and physical stimulation. 10 or 15 minutes a day can make all the difference in the world for a bored cat. It helps them exercise their most innate feline instincts and builds the bond you share.
Food puzzles are a great option that challenge their problem solving skills while rewarding their effort. You can even make your own indoor hunting feeders to hide around the house for your cat to ‘hunt’.
Vertical space and hidey holes are also important. Cat trees, shelves, or even a cleared windowsill give them a safe place to climb, perch, and observe the world from above—just like they would in the wild. Cat caves and boxes are a favorite for the cat that prefer to stay closer to the ground.
Scratchers weren’t just invented to save your furniture. Scratching is an instinctive need for cats. Cats scratch to stretch and flex, maintain healthy claws, leave their scent and – yes – to help relieve stress.
And don’t underestimate the power of novelty. Rotate their toys regularly, offer new scents (like silvervine or a little herb garden), and give them cardboard boxes or paper bags to explore.
Keeping cats indoors is the safest choice, but that doesn’t mean life should be boring. With a little creativity and consistency, we can give our indoor kitties their best life!
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